Good morning, Huntsville.

Homegrown Huntsville opened Host by Homegrown on August 4 at 101 Washington Street for dining experiences, live music, and community events in downtown Huntsville.

The venue, which spans two floors, will host regular events with local makers + chef dinners and classes that add to the city's vibrant creative scene.

Huntsville Mayor Tommy Battle married former Broadway performer Jo Lynn Burks (Miss University of Alabama) in a private family ceremony held in early August.

The mayor, in office since 2008, marked a new personal milestone after his previous wife passed away in 2020.

Duotech Services opened a new 25,000 sqft facility in Research Park on Aug.

6 with a $4 million investment and plans to add 50 jobs over the coming years. Company and local officials credited community collaboration for attracting the expansion + paving the way for further growth.

KBR hosted a live demonstration of its Firefly laser system in Huntsville on Thursday that neutralized simulated drone threats (tracking targets up to 5 miles away) and showcased new directed energy tech.

The company announced a $208 million Army contract to support modernization efforts that will expand its defense role.

A Huntsville company unveiled a new laser system to counter drone threats yesterday.

The firm said the system will undergo further testing to improve local security.

Chase is opening a new branch in Foley (2400 S.

McKenzie Street) on Tuesday to offer banking, lending, and wealth management services as part of its plan to triple branches statewide. Five more locations in Montgomery, Mobile, Daphne, Decatur, and Huntsville will open by year’s end.

City officials said local water systems—upgraded for added security—remained ready to withstand cyberattacks after recent threats raised concerns about water service disruptions in Huntsville.

City Council approved a nearly $33 million contract to build a four-story parking deck at Orion Amphitheater (924 spaces) with modern safety features such as elevators with glass backs.

Construction will finish (April 2028) to improve traffic flow and support ongoing MidCity development.

On Sept. 10, the City Council will hold a public hearing about creating a TIF district to finance roads and utilities for the $6 billion Eli Lilly campus and other projects in Limestone County.

The council also annexed 536 acres east of U.S. 72 for future homes and conservation.

The U.S. Army announced on Aug.

14 a $10 billion pilot-training contract to run through 2052 at Redstone Arsenal. Texas-based M1 Support Services L.P. will lead the effort, training 800 to 1,500 pilots (each year) through its Flight School Next initiative.

Redstone Arsenal will oversee work on up to 12 UH-72B Lakota helicopters under a $115.4 million Army contract with Airbus Helicopters — work is planned to begin soon at the facility.

A TSA PreCheck enrollment event is scheduled in Huntsville to help local travelers sign up for streamlined security screening.

Officials say details on timing and location will be shared soon.

HEMSI issued heat safety guidelines as triple-digit temperatures approach during busy outdoor events, following 11 heat-related illness calls on Thursday.

Residents, including those with preexisting conditions, are urged to hydrate, seek shade, + call 911 if symptoms worsen.

Alabama A&M athletes gave fans an early look at the program during Fan Day today + the scrimmage in intense summer heat previewed the upcoming season.